Velonews (December 8, 2003) calls the ATAC XS "the
fastest to get into and the most predictable to get out of. Whichever version
of the XS you choose, you'll be racing one of the lightest, most secure and
comfortable clipless pedals available in 2004".
Submitted by
Bendrider
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR, USA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
COD/Grand Slam
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Easy in and out. Good float, nice feel.
Weaknesses:
Durability. Retaining bars on the XS model bend due to rock strikes. Cleats wear quickly (has been a problem for years).
Similar Products Used:
Time Carbon ATAC (old style), Shimano SPD
Bottom Line:
I love the feel of the Time pedals. I have two other sets of the old ATAC Carbon pedals. I am still using one set of the old pedals on my cross bike. I have probably ridden for 10 years on TIME pedals. I bought the newer ATAC Carbon XS pedals for my mt bike last year and have ridden/raced about one full year on them. The pedals work great. Unfortunately the new retaining bars are not as durable as the old ones. I ride a lot of rocks (volcanic) and they have just beat the bars up. One side of one of the pedals is unusable. There is so much slop due to bent bars that it won't hold the cleat. I would agree with other posters that these are not the pedals to get if you ride rocks. They will probably work well for many years as long as you don't ride the rocks. However this is mountain biking and not golf! My feeling is that they should be more durable, or alternatively that Time should make it clear that the XS pedal line will not hold up in harsher conditions. I have heard that the ATAC ROC pedal is a little tougher. It looks like they have the old round retaining bars so maybe they will be better. Since I like the feel of the Time pedals, I will try the ROC's and see how they last. I'll give the XS model 4 chilis - but not if you're gonna bang them on rocks. You're on your own then.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jumper780
a Cross Country Rider
from Harker Heights, Texas Date Reviewed: August 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dana Peak
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Dont remember
Strengths:
-Bomb proof!
-They keep my foot on the pedal when jumping
-Very self cleaning in nasty conditions
Weaknesses:
Dang, I don't know, maybe the price. But when these go bad (if they ever do)I am buying another set.
Oh, they look like alien pedals
Similar Products Used:
Some shimano crap that broke after about 6 months
Bike Setup:
-06 Haro Shift R3
-Revelation 426 dual air
-RS MC rear shock
-WTB 3.2 Weirwolfs
Bottom Line:
Great pedals. You won't regret it. I have bashed and bashed them riding 20 miles a week (sometimes less). Still going strong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ssorgs
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: June 30, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Platform, float (angular AND side-to-side), solid engage/release, durability, ROCs round bars, big target for engagement
Weaknesses:
Unclips sometimes from rock strikes to underside, rectangular bars bend
GET THE ROCs! Sometimes called ROC ATACs -- have to have the round bars, not rectangular. Both great platform and feel, but the rect bars bend. Went thru 2 pair of ATACs in about a year, having bent the bars (they get sloppy or too tight depending on which side of the pedal you're on). Have had the ROCs for year and a half without issue.
Will note that Performance took great care of me with pedal exchanges.
Times in general are a great design, except for the unintentional releases due to rock strikes. This was much, much more of an issue with egg beaters, and with Times it's a minor annoyance and just enought to drop a chili. Times have a large target for engagement, unlike spds, which you have to hit just right. The angular float is plenty, really as much as my frogs in terms of what I acutally use (and with the regular cleat positions). I don't get unintentional releases when my heels swing in or out, like I would with spds. The lateral float is great for me as I like a wide stance (no, not that 'wide stance') which I find is more stable in tech terrain. You can also adjust spring tension for release but I've never felt the need to mess with it, even as cleats have worn.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
potatonet
a Cross Country Rider
from Norcal Date Reviewed: April 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Annadel
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
good looks, doesnt clog up with mud, strong attachment
Weaknesses:
hard to line up with my foot, cleat design could prevent this
Similar Products Used:
meh
Bike Setup:
2008 Gary fisher hifi pro 29er
Bottom Line:
These pedals hold on to your feet when you need them to and they release a little later than when you need them to. I have had multiple near instances when the release was too late (this is on the quicker release position of the cleat).
These instances involve me almost getting hit by a car and running off a 50 ft cliff. I recommend these to anyone who wants to ride a fire trail or something where you dont have to worry about your life.
I know I can set the tension but 85% of the people using these things wont be adjusting the tension of the springs, especially when they see "auto adjustment" on the package.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Haggis
a Cross Country Rider
from NZ Date Reviewed: January 27, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Easy to engage, intuitive disengagement. Better platform than Shimano or Eggs. Good amount of float. Easy to service.
Weaknesses:
Inboard nylon bush wears quickly causing play, despite regular cleaning/re-greasing every 4-6 months. (The inboard rubber seal allows water into the bush too easily).
Brass cleats wear quickly compared to steel SPDs (don't walk around with Time cleats!) and are WAY too expensive for what they are. (Anyone tried making their own molds?)
Spare parts are not readily available, and if they can be found; cost as much as a new set of pedals.
Similar Products Used:
ATACS, SPD, Eggs.
Bottom Line:
These pedals perform really well, but, Time need to put in a decent cartridge or needle inboard bearing, reduce the cost of the brass cleats and make some spares available at reasonable cost. After all these pedals are not cheap units.
PS. The people that complain about vertical play between pedal and cleat have worn shoes... carbon shoes are particularly prone to indenting. Try moving the cleat a little.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chcmuzza
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ones I Don't Fall Off
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Easy, positive engagement; a good range of float, clears really well
Weaknesses:
Pedal body unscrewed from the shaft. Is now back in place and hasn't happened again.
Similar Products Used:
Frogs for 8 years
Bike Setup:
07 Durance
Bottom Line:
I got the Times because the Frogs disintegrated after 8 years during an unforeseen endo. I would have got new Frogs however I needed replacement pedals in a hurry and Frogs are hard to come by in NZ.
I was a little worried the Times would be harder on the knees than the Frogs but I have had no problems adjusting. The positive engagement and mud clearing abilities are better than the Frogs.
I also found that with the Times I instantly liked that I had some float but that my foot was firmly held. The Frogs float is very 'slippery' and I believe they may be less efficient at pedaling due to the amount of easy float.
In all I am pleased the change was forced on me and I am really happy with my choice.
3x Chillis for value as I paid NZ$280 for these when in hindsight the non-adjustable version would have been fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bikeuphill9
a Racer
from Abingdon, VA Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Iron Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Adventure Damascus
Strengths:
Positive cleat engagement. Does not disengage involuntarily. Great design to protect mechanism from rocks and roots.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy. But well worth it for the durrabilty.
Similar Products Used:
Crank Brothers Smarty
Ascent SPD
Cannondale SPD
Bike Setup:
Rush 600 tuned for endurance racing.
Bottom Line:
These are great pedals. Before I went through pedals on a fairly regular basis. These on the other hand are holding up quite well because of the great pedal shape that shields the mechanism from rocks and such. I would recommend these to any all mountain or abusive cross country rider. A great buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zfeldman
a Weekend Warrior
from Little Rock, AR Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Nice amount of float. Very comfortable. Never clog with mud.
Weaknesses:
Open when hit with rocks from the bottom. Fall apart after repeated rock strikes
Similar Products Used:
Shimano SPDs
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
They worked great for a while, then i switched frames. The lower BB meant lots of rock strikes. They died within days. If you ride with lots of clay and mud, but not too many rocks, they'll be fine. If you plow through lots of rock gardens they don't cut it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara Date Reviewed: May 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
tunnel, cold springs
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Time Factory Store, SB
Strengths:
intuitive clip in, solid for first year
Weaknesses:
play in bearings, vertical play in cleat/clip interface
Similar Products Used:
ritchey, shimano, old atacs, time road pedals
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth truth, 2008 XT cranks.
Bottom Line:
I loved my old time atacs. These, alas, do not hold up. The play that developed in the bearings is fine with me (my road times have this, I don't notice it). But, play between the cleat and pedal on the upstroke-- that's not cool (isn't the point of these things to lock you in vertically so you can apply force throughout your pedal stroke? ). Like others below, no problems for the first couple of months, if not year, then, lots (fraction of a mm?) vertical of play: It's disconcerting, not to mention annoying, to get to a point in each pedal stroke where your forefoot, which had previously only met with resistant from the cranks, can suddenly lurch up without any resistance. I put brand new cleats in, same thing, and bars themselves do not seem to be deformed (these are on my xc bike, they are not taking any kind of beating). The last thing I'll try is cranking up the release tension (now set on '2'), maybe that will work?
I don't know what's up with this pedal- Design-wise,the bar that moves, and therefore that is spring-loaded, is the forward/front one-- this is not the design of their road pedals, or of shimano's spds. Maybe there's something funny about the up and forward forces in the pedal stroke that wears springs/bars faster than down and backward forces(though the old atacs had the same design, and were fine). Who knows?
All I know is, I'm reluctant to try another mtn Time pedal. The old atacs only design flaw was the dust cover would creak and break eventually (like after 2-3 years)- this was cosmetic; the lock-in function was flawless. They solved that dust cover problem with the new design, but which now has a worse problem--the inability to keep you firmly attached to your pedal throughout the stroke.
If you consider $99-150/year for pedals a bargain, this is the pedal for you. I'd go elsewhere otherwise, until they address this problem explicitly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marek
a Cross Country Rider
from Poland, Tuchola Date Reviewed: May 13, 2008
Bought them because I had problems with knees. I'm not sure if it was caused by my old shimano m-540. I like new times. They are light - 336g, engagement and release is easy and quick, click sound is better :). There is float but cleats should be very carefully adjusted, so the leg works in its neutral position. Good work in mud.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Galby Ripper
a Racer
from B'ham, WA, USA Date Reviewed: March 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
i love them all--climbs and decents
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
n/a
Strengths:
great design...i snapped 6 egg-beaters and have yet to destroy the times...they are on both my full suspension and hardtail commuter...i ride one of the pair every day...they are also consistent in their engagement and release...mud does not effect performance
Weaknesses:
like others, these pedals developed play both on the upstroke and laterally...i asked my lbs to order up some replacement parts (spring axles, etc) for one pedal and when I picked them up they asked me for 80 bucks! luckily we all understood that this was almost the cost of a replacement PAIR W/ CLEATS so we worked it out, but seriously...this is mnt biking, we should be able to rebuild our equiptment without buying new...this play and extreme rebuild costs make me very weary about buying any more time pedals....
these awesome pedals have about 500 hours in them before they are toast...if you spread that out over weekends, they will last a lot longer than if you ride multiple times per week or everyday...and the cost to rebuild/maintain is more than the cost to buy new...somethings wrong with that. great pedals, but not worth the cost...if you pay 150 bucks they should last longer imo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Gross
a
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: January 31, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Performance (exchange)
Strengths:
See below.
Weaknesses:
See below.
Similar Products Used:
See below.
Bike Setup:
See below.
Bottom Line:
Update from previous review. I'm back to the ATACs! 1 ride on XTRs and I realized just how comfy these XSs are. The wider, more substantial platform felt way more solid than I could get the XTRs to feel. Because of the width I think the q-factor is actually a little larger/wider which is much more comfortable. Also, compared to SPDs especially, I don't have to aim my cleat so much. Could've given the XTRs another ride but the difference was glaring enough.
I'll take my chances with durability of the bars and live with the occasional unintentional releases and blood draws from the hacked up comp body. They are just so much more solid and stable underfoot.
Still can't give em 5 untill these nagging problems are fixed. Besides, pedals ARE awfully subjective.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Gross
a
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: January 28, 2008
Wanted to love these pedals, but after bending both bars on 1 side of 1 pedal, along with too many unintentional releases, had to bail.
Rode these pedals only once before a trip to Moab and they performed near flawlessly. Coming off of 9 yrs on Frogs I still had no problem getting in/out and I'm not afraid to start up on steeps or just before obstacles (where you need to get in right away).
I ride a lot of very rocky, technical terrain and often smack the underside of my pedals on rock (it's not strictly a matter of style or skill). These pedals would release about 1/4 of the time and that's annoying but not necessarily a deal-breaker. However, after bending both bars within 5 mos of riding these pedals, I was done. They did still work, but I had excessive 'play' on that side of that pedal and must've knocked some matl off b/c that side was always up.
This was my 2nd pair as the 1st had a bearing problem in one and Performance exchanged it. Performance also exchanged this pair for XTRs (I paid difference). I prefer LBS, but for pedals it's great to deal with a 100% return policy like Performance, and they have a shop in Austin.
ATAC XS does have a great 'feel' to them and a very natural entry. [I found eggbeaters to have an unnatural feel, as I had to cant my foot inward to clip in -- didn't want to deal with shims and ATACs don't need them.] If your trails aren't so rocky they'll probably give you years of great use. Otoh, the composite body gets hacked up quickly and will draw blood on the back of your legs very easily.
I'm now back to SPDs as there's nothing left and XTRs now seem to be a big improvement. Just rode around the hood on em and I was surprised to have plenty of float (reported 6 deg - 1 more than XS). Also, my friends that I ride these rocky trails with mostly have SPDs and have not had the problems I've had. One guy does have some Aliums and he's always taking a wrench to them to bend the bars back.
Value is hardly an issue to me with something so critical, unless you're getting into Ti territory. Overall, they're probably more like a 4 but between the axle problem, unintentional releases, frequent blood draws, then the bent bars...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: October 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Sabino Cycles
Strengths:
The best Cleat attachment, maintenance free and smooth.
Weaknesses:
Spring tension adjustment doesn't matter. I could have saved some money buying the lower model without this feature.
Similar Products Used:
Old Time Atac.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
I was surprised to see some negative comments about durability. Mine are as solid as my old atacs were, which worked flawlessly for 9 years without even greasing or rebuilding! After a year, my XS's still have no squeek and bearings are as smooth as the first day.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevo
a
from CA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$125.00
Strengths:
engagement, sealed bearings and float
Weaknesses:
they squeek worse than a rusted chain, do not buy these pedals!
Similar Products Used:
shimano, crank bros,
Bottom Line:
friends had reccomended the Times based on older models which were great.
they worked like a dream for about 9 months, but now the spring is not very strong, and they squeak so bad. (it's the plastic pedal body-it squeaks when you squeeze it with your hands) I got three years out of my $35 shimano pedals.
If you like replacing pedals every 9 months-pick up a set today.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott O'Reilly
a Cross Country Rider
from MA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
shed mud and snow
Weaknesses:
springs wore out. body brok
Similar Products Used:
old time atac carbon. shimano 520 and I think 720 which lasted @8 yrs
Bike Setup:
xc
Bottom Line:
Springs wore out very quickly leading to accidental releases all of the time. Body can't handle a beating. Getting less than a year out of pedals is not acceptable. The older ATACS were much better
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damien Theophano
a Cross Country Rider
from Glenside, PA, United States Date Reviewed: May 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Float, engagement in all conditions (ice, mud)
Weaknesses:
not very strong
Similar Products Used:
eggbeaters, shimano, clips and straps
Bottom Line:
Good pedals except they don't last. The springs lose their firmness and the pedals are dangerous because the cleat pops out too easy. Also, the body is worn down from just the sole of the foot, but I son't think it hurts it too much. someone else mentioned the rebuild price is the same as new pedals which really stinks. I am going to try and bend the springs back to working order and that might cause me to change my mind, but I am not all that impressed. I want stuff to last more than 1+ yr.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pertti
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anything local
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
- always works - survives rock strikes well - easy to clip in/out - enough "platform" to keep pedaling if you miss the clip in. - I hear they also work in muddy conditions
Weaknesses:
- not the lightest - rock strikes leave big scratches on the composite parts (cosmetic, no effect on function)
Bike Setup:
Tough frame, budget build.
Bottom Line:
These pedals work and keep doing so even if you abuse them a bit.
The XS has three different tension settings but the loosest one holds my feet in place securely enough. I suppose the cheaper model without the adjustment would serve me equally well.
The foot has some room to move sideways, which some people might find distracting. It does not bother me at all.
The real bottom line: Reliable, Easy, Strong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from DC Date Reviewed: April 25, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Sharp looking, great engagement, easy to mash into in the city.
Weaknesses:
Play between cleat and pedal, creaking noise.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Fixed gear
Bottom Line:
Ride these pedals fixed in the city. Only when it gets really quiet do I hear the noise coming from these, but I'm generally disappointed in how securely they hold the cleat. When I pull on the upstroke, I get the same play that a couple others have reported. Sent an email to Time's US office and didn't get any response back. Planning on returning if performance will take 'em back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Front range CO Date Reviewed: March 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
positive engagement, clips in with muddy cleats
Weaknesses:
there is play in between the cleat and the pedal. no tension adjustment for release, however the pedal tension is set nicely
lightweight. good positive engagement like the older times, but the play inbetween the cleat and the pedal is really annoying. While pedaling, when you pull through on the upstroke, the cleat lifts iff the cleat by a mm or 2. drives me crazy. maybe the more expensive times have some adjustment screws to take care of this. go with the 959. way better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GlowBoy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland OR Date Reviewed: January 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anywhere in Oregon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Unbreakable, no adjustments or maintenance needed, last forever, totally reliable in the worst mud and snow conditions imaginable, dependable entry and release, won't bash up your shins if you miss on the first pedal stroke. Still moderately rideable in street shoes.
Weaknesses:
Heavier than Eggbeaters, and more expensive than entry level Crank Bros. pedals.
Similar Products Used:
Eggbeaters, Time Aliums (see my 1/31/04 review of those, to which I would add very little except they're still going strong).
Although most of my friends have switched to Crank Brothers Eggbeaters or Candys, I've seen no reason to switch. Yes, those are cheaper and lighter, but they still have a higher failure rate. I've already got two pair of Aliums, and when I needed a third pair, I grabbed a set of the much lighter XS pedals as soon as they came out. The three sets of pedals now have a combined 15,000 miles and I've done almost nothing to them except replace cleats a couple of times.
But here's why ATACs really rock: I live in wettern Oregon, where it's muddy and/or snowy 6 months of the year. I can get my ATACs to clip in and hang on successfully in ALL conditions, even the worst of the worst. If 3" of muddy wet snow is caked onto my soles I may have to scrape some off some of the excess, but I don't have to be meticulous about it and then they just clip in, no problems. Release angle is good and very dependable, always seems to happen when I need it. Easy to clip in and get out. Accidental releases from rock strikes are rare (I've had this happen maybe 10 times, total) and much less common than is being reported with Eggbeaters. Also unlike Eggs, they are easier to stand on to cruise around town in non-cleated shoes, and they don't chew up your legs if you roll off them. $120 is high for a pedal of this weight but not for a pedal of this function.
The XS model, at about 330g, saves a substantial amount of weight over the Aliums, well under the $1/gram threshold that makes it worth considering to me. The XS carbon model (like the old Carbon model that preceded it) saves less than 20 grams but costs $50 more. Not worth it. Unless you're stepping all the way up to the Ti model, just get the basic XS and be happy. Or, if you're that much of a weight weenie, you may want to just get the higher end Eggbeaters and live with hamburger shins.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Olivier
a Cross Country Rider
from Paris, France Date Reviewed: December 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Time.........lasts
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Time ever since i've been on a mtb....20yrs
Bike Setup:
sunn ti, xt, xt, mavic
Bottom Line:
These pedals rock!!! as always
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from OC. CA Date Reviewed: November 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Easy clip in. One of the best. When you clip in it snaps in. Nice float too.
Weaknesses:
The noisiest pedal I have ever used.
Similar Products Used:
shimano pd959
Bike Setup:
epic 06 s works
Bottom Line:
These pedals work great if you don't mind the noise emanating from below your feet. These are the composite xs model and the plastic of the pedal combined with the plastic of my shoe (undersole) would just creak like crazy after half an hour of riding. I have two completely different brands of shoes and it would creak with both. I only ride in dusty conditions, maybe mud is a good lubricant. Also there was a high pitch ticking noise coming from the left pedal with every pedal revolution. I never thought it was the pedal at first. I thought it was the chain, sprockets, bearings, etc. Then I simply switched to platforms and all noises were gone, including the ticking. Now I realize that this may be a small annoyance to some people. But riding on a quiet trail and all you hear is major creaking and ticking from your pedals with every stroke it gets freakin annoying. I tried dry lube on the pedals like white lighting and it helped for maybe 30 minutes but it would slowly come back. I even took apart and checked bearings everything was clean and lubed. Needless to say pedals should be a mount and forget type product. I have gone back to shimano pd959 and love them. No noises whatsoever. Maybe the carbon would be better but I refuse to try. Will stick with Shimano. 2 chilis only because they do the job well as far as clipping in and holding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aleksander K
a Cross Country Rider
from Piekary Slaskie, gorny slask, POLAND Date Reviewed: October 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
twomark-chorzow
Strengths:
freedom of side / angle - movements
Weaknesses:
price.
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
kalkhoff sport XT
Bottom Line:
they are great. everything is ok exept the price. I use my bike as a touring bike or cross-country. Before buying time atac i used normal platform pedals. Because of knee problems after longer rides I bought a set of new TIME ATAC and specialized shoes. Since then my knee problems are gone and my performance has improved. The only one weakness, exept the price, is that i can't find such accessory platforms which could be attached to those pedals to ride with normal shoes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: September 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
LBS Sabino Cycles
Strengths:
Total Quality and flawless performance.
Weaknesses:
Higher priced than competition but you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Older Times, Occasional Shimano on rental bikes.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight.
Bottom Line:
My old Time pedals lasted 11 years and I never adjusted them, greased them, or rebuilt them! I bashed them on countless rocks and they bodies looked beat to hell but they performed flawlessly until the day I left one in a hotel room. It was an easy decision what brand my new pedals would be. MY XS's look cooler than the old body style, but the feel and performance is exactly the same. I would recommend, if you want to save about $30, buy the XE instead of the XS, because the spring tension adjustment is unimportant. You can tell a small difference on the higher setting, but it is mostly a bit louder snap when you unclick. It really doesn't matter what setting they are on. I considered Eggbeaters but my LBS says they have rebuilt and replaced lots of those, as they seem to wear pretty quickly. I believe in giving a brand my loyalty if they exceed my expectations with a product. Time has done that. Also notice, I could have saved a few bucks by mail ordering these, but I supported my LBS!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Jefferson City, MO USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Council Bluff, Potosi, Mo.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Blue Sky Cycling
Strengths:
Easy in out, plus the wider platform can be ridden unclipped and is easier on my arches than SPD
Weaknesses:
If you ride them unclipped beware! The points Time designed will poke holes in your shins if your feet slip off. I found this out the hard way.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, Fox rp3 shock, Vanilla RL fork
Bottom Line:
I switched to these pedals because the SPDs I was running made the arches in my flat feet hurt really bad after a long ride. The Time pedals eliminated this. I got this version because it offers adjustments to tighten the release. So far I am still running in the loosest setting. Taking some getting used to, you slide into these where the SPDs were more of a click in. Also I miss the click that came with getting into the SPDs, sometimes I can't tell I am in these. I wish they offered these in black instead of gray but that's minor. I can also say I have bashed some them into granite rocks several times and still don't see any damage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brady norman
a Racer
from portland oregon Date Reviewed: July 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Rivercity bicycles with cleats.
Strengths:
security. you don't accidentally pop out. atacs make spd's seem so worthless.
Weaknesses:
it is possible to hit the pedal pretty hard on your shin if your not paying attention.
Similar Products Used:
umm... fixed cog?
Bike Setup:
pake track, black sugino 75's, Superbe rear track hub, miche primato front hub, non-cnc black deep v's, italia storika saddle, its fun.
Bottom Line:
...is that Time's are for racing and Eggbeaters are for making breakfast with. lol
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Very easy entry, excellent float, lot of room to move before release, when you do need to release in a hurry - no sweat!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
All road and mtb pedals on the market except or Eggbeaters
Bike Setup:
Raleigh Rush Hour, 46X19 fixed, wheels, bullhorns and pedals. Do you need anything else?
Bottom Line:
After riding most pedals on the market I came into two pairs of these on the cheep from a friend (bike shop employee). So cheep I figured if I hated I would E-bay. All my fixie buddies said Atac was the way to go and they were right. Absolutely love these pedals. A little less float then speedplays, but not nearly as "icy" and so much easier to walk in. If you have bad knees like me, but you don't like have to put covers on before you can walk like a duck, buys these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blake
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID USA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
100.00
Strengths:
Easy in, easy out. Excellent mud shedding ability. I've always loved and used and abused many TIME pedals for 12 years. Wouldn't use anything but.
Weaknesses:
strength, durability of new design
Similar Products Used:
pre-2003 TIME ATAC carbon, alium
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance
Bottom Line:
I've been using some of the same old style TIME ATAC pedals for so long it's amazing. I recently built a new bike and bought the new XS/XE style pedal. On my second ride the pedal hit a rock (due to lower clearance I'm still getting used to), and the pedal broke into pieces. The front spring rail snapped off as well as part of the front composite body. I've bashed my old style TIME pedals countless times and they only scar, never break. I believe the new design to help shed weight may have compromised the integrity of the system. Maybe it was just a freak failure, I don't know, but it's a bummer I have to buy new pedals already. I'll probably pick up some of the old style on Ebay or something.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shawn
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: March 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Northshore / Cedar Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$116.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Inc
Strengths:
Ease of entry and exit / looks / overall design
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Egg beaters C / Time carbon ATAC
Bike Setup:
04 S-works / Crossmax / Juicy 7 hydraulic
Bottom Line:
I love them so far, and I am sure I will feel the same in the near and far future...get them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robbie
a Cross Country Rider
from France Date Reviewed: November 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
StreakX.com
Strengths:
easy entry and exit.... minimal maintenance. Mud clearance
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
shimano other spd
Bike Setup:
Turner Burner, Marz marathon sl, sram , raceface
Bottom Line:
with Shimano engagement was hit or miss and in mud it was a nighmare. lost count of the number of times I banged my shin cos i failed to engage properly... I was almost giving up on clip pedales until someone told me about TIME. I'm very happy they did... from the word go they have been a dream... no issues or problems. In the mud they are Brill. the initial outlay may seem expensive but you get what you pay for, one of the best bits on my bike. Fit and forget i'm only ever going to use TIME
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rudy
a Racer
from Hanover, NH Date Reviewed: November 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Omer and Bob's
Strengths:
Great mud shedding, look cool. Have never had a problem getting in to these pedals in any conditions. Pretty much as advertised.
Weaknesses:
WEAR! I wore the retention bars and pedal body to the point where the pedal no longer retains the cleat. Not sure why no one else has worn thru their pedals, but the composite body just doesn't stand up to abrasion. This is after one season of racing, and i do most of my training on the road bike... Also tricky to get into, the front of the cleat often catches on the rear retention bar rather than sliding in. This may have been a result of the wear to the body, but i definetly wasn't the first one off the line when it counted.
Similar Products Used:
Crappy SPDs for mountain. Speedplay sweetness for road (x-2)
Bike Setup:
Twichty race hardtail.
Bottom Line:
Replacement parts for a rebuild (4 retention bars and two pedal bodies) would cost more than a new set. I seriously considered buying another set of these, because i was so happy with the performance before they wore out, but i'm going to give the eggbeaters a shot since i've heard only good things about them. If all you care about is performance, and it's worth it to you to replace these pedals often, then go for it. I feel a little cheated that they wore so quickly. I think the aluminum bodies of the Alium are really where it's at, and if i didn't race the extra weight of the aliums are definetly worth it...
Only 1 chili for value, since they only lasted one season, 3 for overall, because it was sweet while it lasted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AP
a Cross Country Rider
from PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY Date Reviewed: October 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
INDESTRUCTABLE. NOTHING CAN DESTROY THESE PEDALS. SIMPLE DESIGN AND LIKE ALL TIME PEDALS - EASY TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE. GOOD MUD CLEARANCE. EASY TO CLEAN.
Weaknesses:
NOTHING AT ALL
Similar Products Used:
WELLGO, SHIMANO, RITCHEY, SPEEDPLAY
Bottom Line:
THIS IS AN UPDATE TO MY PREVIOUS REVIEW. THESE PEDALS CONTINUE TO DELIVER DESPITE ONGOING, UNFORGIVING BASHES AND CRASHES INTO ROCKS AND LOGS. I HAVE BASHED THESE SUCKERS INTO ROCKS WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO KNOCK THE CLEAT OFF OF THE PEDAL AND DISENGAGE ON MANY RIDES AND STILL NO DAMAGE. LOTS OF ROCKS AT CHIMNEY ROCK AND RINGWOOD SO THE PEDALS ARE CONSTANTLY BEING BASHED. I AM USING THE SAME PAIR OF CLEATS SINCE I BOUGHT THE PEADALS AND THEY CONTINUE TO BEHAVE AS THEY ARE NEW. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THESE PEDALS HAVE SURVIVED SO MUCH. PEDAL ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT IS SIMPLE AND EASIER THAN OTHERS I HAVE TRIED - SHIMANO SPD, WELLGO, RITCHEY AND SPEEDPLAY. ENGAGEMENT FEELS FIRM AND SOLID AND EASY DISENGAGEMENT ALLOWS QUICK BAIL OUT BEFORE OR TO AVOID CRASHES. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ISSUES WITH ENGAGEMENT AND DISENGAGEMENT NEED TO GAIN MORE EXPERIENCE WITH CLIPLESS AS TIME PEDALS HAVE BEEN THE MOST USER FRIENDLY PEDALS IN MY EXPERIENCE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Wraith
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: September 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
24 hours in the Old Pueblo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Arizona Bicycle Experts
Strengths:
The best pedal for mud ever
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Old version of atac
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula Deluxe
Bottom Line:
Did a 41 mile race in the mountains after it had rained all day the day before. I could not even see the cleats on the shoes and they could still clip in. The mud is just pushed through and does not get clogged anywhere. They are very light. I would not spend the extra $100 on the carbon and titanium version, the aluminum ones are very light. Time cleats are reversable so you can adjust the release angle by switching the cleats making it easier or harder to release. Great feature for people new to clipless. Start with the easy release and as you get better with them you can switch to the harder release to keep you cliped in on tricky terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ivan
a
from C-Springs Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Ute Valley
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Ease of cliping in, clipping out.
Weaknesses:
? I'm concerned about the long term durability, but it hasn't been an issue yet
Similar Products Used:
858's
Bike Setup:
Big S brand shoes (they were on sale)
Bottom Line:
Coming off 858's anything should feel and perform great (in comparison). These ATAC XS certainly do. I can think of a time or two when I've had issues getting out. But that's operator error. Either way its light years above the shimano pedals. These things also work great in Mud. Touch spendy but man are they nice.
I haven't used the adjustable release yet. THink you can buy a lower model w/o that (I would).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AP
a Cross Country Rider
from Princeton, NJ Date Reviewed: May 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Strong, durable, firm and easy engagement, bomb proof, simple design.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Wellgo, Shimano, Frog
Bike Setup:
Jekyll 1000
Bottom Line:
Best pedals ever. No complaints or issues. These suckers have survived multiple bashes into rocks, tree trunks, roots, etc. Clicking in and out is never an issue. Far better performance and value than any other pedals I have tried. Bottom line - They out perform any other pedals out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CL
a
from Ottawa, ON Canada Date Reviewed: May 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Smooth and consistent entry/release Don't get packed with mud or dirt
Weaknesses:
Didn't find any yet!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 505's (aka. pieces of garbage that came with bike)
Bottom Line:
After cursing at pedals for nearly a month, the LBS where I go offered to upgrade my pedals to ATACS XE for a SMALL price. I've heard good things about Time but never actually tried them. Please believe me when I say that these pedals are night and day in comparison to the Shimano's that came with the bike. Consistent release no matter how many inches of mud are on the bike. I'll never buy any other pedals but Time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harri Manni
a Weekend Warrior
from Ludvika, Sweden Date Reviewed: April 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Cyclecomponets
Strengths:
-Seems indestructible. -Assemble and forget. -Works excellent in mud and snow.
Weaknesses:
-Looks like sh*t after only a few uses. -Sharp edges, watch your ankles! -Cleats wears out relatively fast. -Cleats not ShimaNO compatible (read Bottom Line)
Similar Products Used:
Various Shimano and Bontrager pedals.
Bike Setup:
Azonic Propulsion
Bottom Line:
The best pedals I ever used, well worth the money they cost. So far I have busted all my pedals except theese ones, seems to take on whatever abuse I might give them.
I have lost the count on how many times I have smashed the pedals into rocks and other hard object and thought they were done, but nothing, the pedals keeps on working flawlessly!
Unfortunally the cleats isn't compatible with Shimano pedals and that can be annoying when almost all your biking friends has SPD-pedals and you want to try their bikes or vise versa.
I can strongly recommend them to anyone who uses "SPD" pedals!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david david
a Weekend Warrior
from tampa Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
boyette/alafia
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
easy entry and exit. real loud click when entering to let you know you are in.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
spd
Bike Setup:
05 stumppjumper with upgrade cassette
Bottom Line:
i will buy these again - they rock. i have never used this type of pedal before, and today i rode over 22 miles for the first time with the attacks - excellent and easy. i would easily put a child in these - they are that easy. i was intimidated to use clipless pedals at first - now i am a believer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robby hobbs
a Racer
from bevery, MA, USA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wathen Trail, Fort Collins, CO
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Simplicity, "Tight" feel / energy efficient, mud-clearing, light, durable, etc.
Weaknesses:
None. I wish the Carbon/Titanium model was cheaper, that's all.
Similar Products Used:
Time ATAC Carbon (2001 Model), which were awesome, Egg Beaters, which are very good but release when the pedal touches down and have a weaker hold,Shimano M-737, Ritchey models, etc.
Bike Setup:
TREK.Carbon.XTR.Mavic.
Bottom Line:
Time pedals are the only pedals that are tight enough so that a rider can hammer down at 100%. Using other pedals can hold you back because you can't shake the underlying fear of clipping out by accident at the top of the pedal stroke while in a sprint, especially considering that races are often won at .01 of a second and there is no excuse for crashing because of pedal release. Buying bad pedals is the real human error at hand. When sprinting in a stand-up position on mountain terrain, it is important to pull up and over in a way that requires a "tight" pedal. When you first start riding, a "weaker" pedal is probably better because you can practice clipping in and out and you crash a lot. But when you improve your skills, crashes are less common and having a pedal with a strong spring (like Time's pedals) is important. Important- the bearings on Time's pedals last longer than the non-repleacable clips, so if you change your cleats every 30 rides or so the pedals could last up to 2-3 years, even through 1+ race/ride season! Save your money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Row Bear
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville Date Reviewed: March 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Robby's trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
jeff schwinn
Strengths:
mud shedding, engage, disengage, float
Weaknesses:
a little harder than shimanos to keep your foot on if you're not clipped in
Similar Products Used:
shimano spd, eggbeater triple ti
Bike Setup:
bp stealth, bontrager select wheels, skareb super, monkeylite carbon bars, rocket gripshifters, xt rear der, xtr front., thomson post, pearl izumi shoes
Bottom Line:
Innagural ride with these pedals was in the mud and they worked flawlessly. No problems whatsoever clipping in after trudging up a muddy hillside. Positive engage and disengage. The extra float will take some getting used to but it is worth it. Now I can get my back end off the ground without accidentally coming unclipped. These pedals are not as light as eggbeaters but offer all the same benefits except times don't break or come off the spindle as easy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe therider
a Cross Country Rider
from american north east Date Reviewed: November 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
to youre moms house
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
simple, body has not broken yet, doesnt clog with mud, ice ,snow ,crap.
Weaknesses:
small bearings are a big dissapointment. Axles already bent, I weigh 168 and dont do big drops or anything, Im a climber.
Similar Products Used:
Just time pedals besides BMX flats
Bike Setup:
yes
Bottom Line:
A few years ago Time used larger bearings on the crank side and pin rollers on the outside of the pedal, Then the world cup editions came out and to fit that red cuff, (that allowed us to easly service the bearings) they had to put smaller bearings which seem to take even less of a load than the previous year, wich were a pretty great pedal. I personally had 4 plus years on my world cups(so they were not that bad either), but having to rebuild the pedal every few monthes became boring, so, i buy these pieces of crap, and really am surprised. for the first time im really compleatly dissapointed with something that Time has come up with. AT THREE MONTHES THE BEARINGS IN BOTH PEDALS HAD TO BE REBUILT, AND REPACKED WITH GREASE, THE BEARINGS ARE RUSTING, AND THERE IS PLAY. I think another part of the problem is that they have eliminated the pin rollers used in previous years. The main issue, in my opinion though is the smaller bearings, If you dont believe me , just look at the isis standard with bottom brackets, the smaller bearing doesnt take a load as well and it self destructs. Whatever...look , if you want to take a chance go ahead, hell ive been known to have really bad luck anyway, so maybe this is just my personal hell, but i really dont think this problem will be limited to me, so...be careful!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris G
a Racer
from Annapolis, MD Date Reviewed: October 25, 2004
No tension or float adjustment(other than switching cleats) Price if you have to pay for it
Similar Products Used:
SPD, ATAC
Bike Setup:
Giant 6061, XT, Manitou w/Total Air, Chris King
Bottom Line:
These are the best pedals I have ever used. I used them on my road bike and mountain bike because I'm too cheap to buy road specific stuff. It's been really rainy here lately and sometimes the water goes above my hubs on my road bike. The pedals get submerged but always feels smooth afterwards. They feel great when clipping in or releasing--more positive than the old ATACs. Unless you race, you probably won't be able to tell the difference between these bottom end ones and the $300+ Carbon Titan versions. GET THESE PEDALS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob the Builder
a Racer
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Crothers wood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$131.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
solid click when clipping in and out lightweight really really cool great mud shedding french
Weaknesses:
no adjustable float connection between your foot and the peddle seems weak, even though it isn't french
Similar Products Used:
spd
Bike Setup:
trek 8500 (2001) sid xc shocks xt brakes front derailleur 515 and alex rims crap, suntour crap cranks
Bottom Line:
Awesome peddle, a must have for any racer, but if you want a firm connection with your bike get the ATAC titan carbon of spd.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Emiel Kunkeler
a Cross Country Rider
from Hilversum Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
xc
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
TIME-shop
Strengths:
Perfect service by Time Holland Oude Dijk 11 7591 GV Denekamp I broke the right pedal wich isn't normal with TIME quality. I send the pedal to Time. 2 days later they send me a complete set of brand new pedals, even the more expensive carbon version. Chapeau TIME Holland
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
divers spd pedals
Bike Setup:
Giant MCM Team
Bottom Line:
Quality is good, but service when something goes wrong is also a great value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hugh Jarce
a Racer
from Matlock UK Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Shining Cliff Woods (at night)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Wiggle
Strengths:
Unbeatable in Mud, Sand, Snow. Never clog up
Weaknesses:
More vicious than previous Atac
Similar Products Used:
Atac, Shimano, Onzo
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude / XTR / Sid Team Ridley SuperCross w Shim 105 & Mavic Kyrisium Wheels
Bottom Line:
I loved the original Time Atacs and used them on my MTB bikes, my Cyclo Cross racer and even on my road bike. They are hard to beat for reliability - always clicking in / never clogging up. However the ease of entry meant that the cleat could locate along a wide tolerance across the retaining spring, so that the foot was not always immediatly central on the pedal. The new ATAC XS solves this problem. However thew downside is that the design does not have the rounded profile of the originals. If you catch the pedal on your leg during dismounts, remounts or whilst pushing the bike the pointed front and more angular edges of the pedal are painful. If your riding includes a lot of dismounts, Bike carrying etc I would still recommend the original ATAC reather than the XS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry Williums
a Cross Country Rider
from Nelson, New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
great in Mud mud glorious mud
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, crank brothers
Bottom Line:
If you ride in mud there is no other pedal that can compare with it- no lie.So if you are huming or harring about buying them just let me decide for you- Buy buy buy. Easy to clip in, feels great when clipped in and easy as to clip out. What more do you need to know. Also a reasonable price for a pedal of this quality. Good pedal for riders of all ability. Go for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
N.
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Oh, yes.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$135.00
Strengths:
Very solid when clipped in, light, and they look great. Great mud clearance, I've been told.
Weaknesses:
I am 5'4" and weigh 138, and I have a hell of a time clipping in and out of these things, even after over a month of riding. I've had some pretty embarrassing crashes...for some reason just can't get used to the clip in and out. Takes to much pressure to clip in and requires too much to clip out. The pedals are on the easiest setting, and the cleats are on the easier 13 degree release angle.
Similar Products Used:
SPD 747
Bike Setup:
Spider XVP, Full XT/XTR disc, Fox F80X, yadda yadda yadda
Bottom Line:
I'm torn as to whether I should go back to SPD or try to get used to these. While I like the stability, the difficulty of clipping out has nearly injured me quite severely a few times, and I have been riding for years. I've read in some other reviews that shorter and lighter riders have had some problems, and I can back this statement up. Feels like I really have to torque my ankle much, much harder than SPD's to get the hell out of these things. Personal preference, perhaps, but they don't inspire me with confidence when coming down hariy single tracks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul
a Cross Country Rider
from sterling hgts,michigan Date Reviewed: April 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
all nct
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
This review is for the time xs ti-carbon model.adjustable release tension (S.E.T.),cnc'd ti spindle,compact carbon body, smooth and precise clip in clip out and light 266g/pr.All add up to one fantastic pedal.If you liked the older style of time pedals you will love the new xs.
Weaknesses:
none,nada,zilch,zero.it doesn't any better.
Similar Products Used:
other time atac's, candy sl's
Bike Setup:
santacruz sl-mavic crossmax,thompson,xtr,carbon monkey etc.all the good stuff
Bottom Line:
this pedal rocks!time has raised the bar with this new entry into the pedal market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Racer
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: April 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Boom proof design, totally proven to work in all conditions.
Weaknesses:
No adjustment on the low end versions.
Similar Products Used:
Crank Brothers Candy Ti
Bike Setup:
Cross Litespeed.
Bottom Line:
I purchased the Crank Brothers Candy Ti pedals and soon placed them on Ebay for the lack on entry ease and exit was not a smooth. From the first time I mounted the Time pedals then clicked in and released like non other, I am looking forward to the cross season with these. Take care and I know the candies are a local us thing but the times are proven and work like non other no matter what anyone else states. Go out and get some you will not be disapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kalon
a Racer
from Winona, MN, USA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Holzinger
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
A great improvement over last year's model. Much lighter, sexier, and buttery smooth. Unlike the regular ATAC's you know percicely how much presure it takes to release, it gives you the confidence you thought you never had.
Weaknesses:
None... but there is always room to improve on this design.
Similar Products Used:
Older ATAC Carbon's
Bike Setup:
Salsa Bandito, Sid Race, Sram X.0, FSA Team Carbon, Kalloy Uno Carbon Flat(nice!), Avid Ti, USE Alien Alum. 350, SLR, Jagwire, Wildgrippers, Bontrager Race X-lite, how do you say 20lbs?
Bottom Line:
There is nothing better than these. And I am convinced they will remain the best for some time to come. Go Get Um Tiger!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Horace McTaver
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Or, Us Date Reviewed: March 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$116.00
Purchased At:
Strengths:
Connects the rider to the bike like a weld. Just the right amount of lateral play. Nice satisfying click into place. Smooth as silk. Nice to look at. Easy in, Easy out.
Weaknesses:
None whatsoever. If they are as good next year as they are today, perfection has been attained.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Stealth
Bike Setup:
Truth, EBC Green, FSA, Zoke, Monkey, Huigi, XTR
Bottom Line:
Can't imagine improving on these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: February 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Palmer Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
ProCycling Warehouse (My LBS)
Strengths:
Releases when it should; does not relaease when it shouldn't. Easy to get into in tough terrain. Finally, a mountain bike pedal that is as "transparent" as a quality downhill ski binding! You know it is good when you are not even aware that it is there--doing its job.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
ATACs & Eggbeaters
Bike Setup:
Epic
Bottom Line:
Ease of entry is equal to Eggbeaters, and better than ATACs. Release is better than Eggbeaters and equal to ATACs. No rolling of shoe to the outside, as with ATACs. Best pedal I have ridden!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julien De Braekeleer
a Racer
from Temse, Belguim Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Houffalize
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Fietsen Koen de Rijck
Strengths:
No place for mud to stuck in the pedal Design: straight from Star Wars... spacy desing and i like it Large angle Never unexpected clicking out the pedal
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Time ATAC (2001) Time ATAC Alium (2003)
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 98 2004 (normal)
Bottom Line:
A fantastic pedal for XC racers. When you have to run up a hill in snow or mud, no problem to get back in the pedals! It seem to be so simple pedals, but sooooo efficient!!! Never an other concept for me! TIME ATAC XS RULES!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
j-unit
a Cross Country Rider
from leesburg, VA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
wolf ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Shenandoah Bicycle Company
Strengths:
-soooo light (280g/pair) -much better than previous time atac design -best looking pedal i've ever seen, very minimalistic design -smoothest and easiest pedals i've ever used, yet hold me in more firmly than any pedal
Weaknesses:
-little rubber seal that connects between the pedal body and the spindle works its way out, allowing for dirt to enter bearings, so you gotta keep an eye out for that
Similar Products Used:
-bontrager re-1's (horrible) -shimano 545's -time atac aliums (nice but get banged up really easily) -time atac carbons (still heavy at over 400g)
Bike Setup:
2004 trek liquid 55, time xs, geax blade 225's, thomson post, wtb laser v ti saddle
Bottom Line:
the main reason why these pedals are superior to the previous atacs is the improved retention mechanism. the old system had round retention bars which allowed for too much lateral float, lack of stability, and poor performance as the round surface would get worn down to a flat surface. the new xs system has retention bars that are already shaped to allow for better performance and durability- they have small nubbins on the underside of each bar which allow for a much more stable, firm feeling when clipped in, and a much quicker and easier release. the bars are also thicker and already have a flat surface, which should mean their performance won't deteriorate over time like the old atacs. these pedals are top notch. i was about to go with the egg beaters, but i was concerned about them lacking strength and stability; then when i saw the new xs were available i was hooked. buy these pedals-they will be the best you ever own
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
donald
a Weekend Warrior
from hawaii Date Reviewed: December 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
nounou
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
light weight, solid clip in & easy out.
Weaknesses:
me!
Similar Products Used:
shimano 515 with multi release cleat.
Bike Setup:
specialized comp enduro fsr w/king hubs & sun rims
Bottom Line:
i have been riding single track for 6 months. i was very leary of going to another pedal. what a difference this pedal makes in my performance. if you feel the need to step up to the next level, this pedal is for you. solid clip in and easy out. awesome!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Perry
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: December 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fort Mill Green Way
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$110.00
Strengths:
Realitively light, Sturdy design, Easy in and EASY out.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
I did alot of research before I purchased, too much! Looks like Time ATAC and or SpeedPlay Frogs are the best choices.
Bottom Line:
Have only used once but I can't imagine a better clip-in. Age 43, only biked for 4 months and was reluctant to fix my feet to the pedals. But what was I afraid of? ATAC's were really easy to get in and really EASY to get OUT of.
The best part is that I pushed my buddy up the hills that he usually kicks my butt on.
I broke all the rules for first time in clip-ins, didn't ride around the yard first, changed them in the parking lot. Biked a trail I'd never seen, very muddy and technical. It was actually easier with the clip-ins, at least the up hill climbs. Ok, so went over the handle bars twice (would have happend anyway) and I hit the mud a few times, (probably could have put my foot down without clip-ins) but still I'll never go back to a cage pedal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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